Firms need access to global sources of intermediate goods and services if they are to compete internationally. Trade policies that restrict imports of these inputs are more likely to produce firm closures and job losses – the very outcomes they were designed to prevent.

This volume brings together different strands of analysis carried out by OECD since 2009 on the use of export restrictions in the trade of raw materials. The aim is to contribute to an informed policy dialogue among countries).

This study argues that prosperity has rarely, if ever, been achieved or sustained without trade and that policies targeting employment, education, health and other issues are also needed to promote well-being and tackle the challenges of a globalised economy.

Introduction to Benefits of Trade LiberalisationAll countries that have had sustained growth and prosperity have opened up their markets to trade and investment. By liberalising trade and capitalising on areas of comparative advantage, countries can benefit economically. Use of resources - land, labour, physical and human capital - should focus on what countries do best. Trade liberalisation measures should be taken on a multilateral basis and complemented by appropriate employment, labour and education policies, so that the benefits of trade can be shared.

Trade in Value-Added (TiVA) The goods and services we buy are composed of inputs from various countries around the world. However, the flows of goods and services within these global production chains are not always reflected in conventional measures of international trade. The joint OECD – WTO Trade in Value-Added (TiVA) initiative addresses this issue by considering the value added by each country in the production of goods and services that are consumed worldwide. TiVA indicators are designed to better inform policy makers by providing new insights into the commercial relations between nations.

Export restrictions on raw materials Prices for many raw materials have increased significantly over the past few years. At the same time, producer countries are making greater use of measures which raise export prices, limit export quantity or place other conditions on exports. Countries use these export restrictions as a way to increase revenue, decrease domestic prices, promote downstream processing industries or conserve natural resources.

Regional Trade AgreementsRegional trade agreements (RTAs) cover more than half of international trade and operate alongside global multilateral agreements under the World Trade Organization (WTO). OECD analyses the services trade elements of regional trade agreements, examining how trade has been influenced and what further measures countries can take.

Services and Jobs (ICITE)The International Collaborative Initiative on Trade and Employment (ICITE) aims to seek a better understanding of how trade interacts with employment, promote discussion on these issues and develop policy-relevant conclusions.